Add alternate layers of peat moss and organic matter until the bed has reached 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) high.

Water until the material is saturated. By spring, your heap will have decomposed into 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) of rich soil.

Sow your seeds or set in your plants, and mulch with compost, peat moss or dried grass clippings. As the plants grow, continue to mulch with the compost, peat moss or clippings. As the newspaper disintegrates and the organic matter decomposes, the layer of loose, rich soil will extend deeper into the ground (thanks to earthworms, bacteria and other soil-dwelling organisms).

Tips & Warnings

The key ingredient in the no-dig recipe is the bottom layer of newspaper. It draws earthworms, which decompose the soil.